The overwhelming massive crowd at the residence of the late Architect Chief Piniki Azaiye Duwogbegha (PAD) in the NigerCat area, Effurun, Delta State, on Tuesday (October 8, 2024) during the Service of Songs ceremony speak volumes of the respect and the special place the late Ganpamowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom commands and holds in the lives of many.

It is therefore not difficult to perceive that his untimely death on September 25, 2024, was a huge blow to many whose lives he had impacted positively. His absence, which is felt daily, was not only limited to dear families, friends and associates, but also to the traditional council to which he belonged as a member.

Among some of the notable guests include the Fiyewi of Gbarmatu Kingdom, High Chief Amb. Godspwer Gbnekama JP Ph.D; the Ebiyedouwei of Gbarmatu Kingdom, High Chief Dr. Bello Oboko; the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi; the Executive Director of Socials and Ijaw Commissioner in the DESOPADEC, Chief Favour Izoukumor and Hon. Spencer Okpoye, respectively; the Iyela-ere Chief (Mrs.) Veronica Emmanuel JP, among others.

Among the ministers at the Service of Songs are Apst. Newman Sylvester Bebenimibo, Bishop Dr. Godwyns Soroaye JP, Bishop Dr. Felix Piniki, Evang. Elijah Odudu, Rev. Francis Diawei, Rev. Duncan Ofiyai, among others.

In their tribute to the late Arch. Chief PAD, the Gbaramatu Traditional Council described the deceased as a "special personality" and praised him for his many contributions to the kingdom, notably his architectural masterpiece which they said has now become his "signature", ending the tribute with a consolation to the family of the late Chief.

Below is a draft of the tribute which reads:

"It was a mix feeling of despair and silence as the untimely death of one of our own, late Chief Architect Piniki Azaiye Duwogbegha, the Ganpamowei of Gbaramatu kingdom, echoes into the Council on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

"You are not just a chief but a special personality to the kingdom, as your contributions to the kingdom's landscape, courtesy of your architectural prowess, is undeniably unmatched, and will continually retain such a status for a very  long time.

"Yes, Chief, you lived up to your  traditional appellation as the Ganpamowei. You will surely be missed, but yet, be forever remembered for the numerous existing towering structures in the kingdom that have now become your signature.

"A physical and silent philanthropist you are, your works on educational support and your multitude of encouragement has helped many to be who they are today. Lover of humanity, you indeed contributed your quota to the development of so many lives  through investments and job creation as well as social interventions to alleviate the plights of the downtrodden.

"In the kingdom, you played your roles and never shied away from contributing your quota. As such, the vacuum created by your death will take time to be filled. Yes, it will, and it will be difficult to get another personality like you.

"We console with the Piniki family and urge you to be strong in this most challenging time. You should take solace in the fact that your beloved son's life was not in vain as the few years he lived here on Earth, as did establish his legacies that will stand the test of time. So to sustaining such legacies should be your topmost priorities.

"It is so sad, though, but as mortal men, we are powerless. However, in all situations, we should give him glory. Rest on, Chief PAD."

END

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